Transcript The Persian Gulf

The Persian Gulf
Natural Environments
• Countries included here are:
• Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,
Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and
Yemen.
• This region is also referred to as the
Middle East.
Natural Environments
• Tectonic forces have shaped the physical
features of this region.
• There is a mixture of rugged mountains,
upland plateaus, and valleys.
• Plate movement has also created narrow
gulfs and seas, which are bordered by
coastal plains.
Natural Environments
• There are also frequent earthquakes in the
area.
• To the north and east of the Arabian
Peninsula is a region called Mesopotamia.
• This is located mostly in Iraq and is a wide
plain through which two great rivers flow.
Natural Environments
• These two rivers are the Tigris and the
Euphrates.
• They are exotic rivers, or rivers that begin
in humid regions and then flow across dry
areas.
Climates, Plants, and Animals
• Hot and dry climates dominate the region.
• Rain comes mostly during the winter due
to the westerly winds of the middle
latitudes.
• The southern interior is mostly uninhabited
desert called the Rub’-al-Khali.
Climates, Plants, and Animals
• The region’s mountains provide water to
the valleys below.
• An orographic effect produces these more
humid climates.
• The region’s wettest climate is in Iran in a
narrow zone along the southern shore of
the Caspian Sea.
Climates, Plants, and Animals
• The lowlands of Saudi Arabia along the
Persian Gulf are among the hottest places
in the world.
• Because of the subtropical high pressure
with clear skies and little shade, the
temperatures often climb above 114
degees.
Climates, Plants, and Animals
• Little rain here, but since it is close to the
sea, the humidity is high.
• There are mountain regions near here
though that people can escape to get
away from the heat.
Climates, Plants, and Animals
• Shrubs and grasses cover the region’s
wide dry plains.
• Trees are common only in mountain
regions and the usually dry streambeds.
• The highest plains are grasslands.
Climates, Plants, and Animals
• In the driest areas the ground is bare rock
and sand.
• In some areas the soil is so salty plants
can’t grow.
• Nearly all the region’s plants have adapted
to surviving long periods of time with no
water.
Climates, Plants, and Animals
• There are few large animals left in the
region due to hunting from humans and
competition from other large animals.
• Camels, donkeys, lizards, and poisonous
snakes are common in the region.
Natural Resources
• The regions two most important resources
are oil and water.
• The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are the
main sources of water in Iraq.
• Canals lead away from the rivers bringing
water to the surrounding areas.
Natural Resources
• Most farmers depend on rain for
agriculture.
• Surface water is rare in the desert areas.
Only found at an oasis.
• Sea water to fresh water?
Natural Resources
• Oil is the regions most valuable resource.
• The oil reserves along the Persian Gulf
are the largest in the world.
• The region has few other resources
though for developing industry.